What time is best for Empire State Building?

It's rarely anything other than busy but you can avoid long waits and jockeying for position on the observation decks by visiting early in the morning or late in the evening. For families with young kids, the best time to visit the Empire State Building is in the mornings before around 11AM.



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Allow at least one hour for your visit, slightly more if you will be visiting both the main deck and the top deck. During peak visiting hours, especially in the warmer months, there may be extended waits to buy tickets and enter the elevators.

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Viewing the New York City skyline from the Empire State Building observation decks during sunset is an unforgettable experience. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is painted with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and red, creating a stunning backdrop for the city's iconic skyline.

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It's an unforgettable experience when the doors of the elevator open up on the 86th floor and you can admire the maze of skyscrapers at a vantage point of 1,250 feet. Many of you are wondering if it's worth paying extra to go to the 102nd floor and without taking away too much, I'd say YES.

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Security Checks: Cameras and camcorders are allowed, but no tripods. ONLY carry-on size and style bags, suitcases, backpacks, duffle bags, luggage, etc., are permitted. There is no coat check, package, baggage check or holding area available. For more information about the Observatory policies, visit www.esbnyc.com.

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WINNER FOR THE BEST VIEW: Depends on what you want to see/ or have on your picture: The Top of the Rock has more impressive views of Central Park and the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building is higher and has better views of Manhattan and Statue of Liberty, and of other US states on the clearest days!

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Visitors reach the 86th Floor Observatory by elevator in less than one minute. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Weddings event was held in 1994.

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The Express Pass lets you make your way down the red carpet and skip all the lines on your way to the Main Deck. Experience the convenience of an expedited journey to the top of the building.

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It's an unforgettable experience when the doors of the elevator open up on the 86th floor and you can admire the maze of skyscrapers at a vantage point of 1,250 feet. Many of you are wondering if it's worth paying extra to go to the 102nd floor and without taking away too much, I'd say YES.

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It depends on your budget: if you are on a budget, the normal ticket to the Empire State Building 86th-Floor Main Deck is enough, still offering unforgettable views. If you don't mind spending a little more, the 102nd Floor Observatory ticket really gives you a once-in-a-lifetime view.

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One World Observatory is much newer but has a history of its own because of its ties to the terror attacks of 9/11. The Empire State Building offers views from further up in Manhattan, so you'll see more things like Central Park and the famous museums than you could from the One World Observatory.

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